Discoms told to set up infrastructure for RTI matters

Giving power distribution companies two months to set up infrastructure to entertain applications under the Right to Information Act, the Central Information Commission (CIC) has ruled that they, including the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, (DERC) are public authorities.

A CIC bench headed by Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah rejected the contention of discoms -- the three power distribution companies, BSES Yamuna Power, BSES Rajdhani Power and North Delhi Power -- that they are private concerns and are not obliged to divulge information to applicants under the RTI.

"There remains no doubt that discoms are substantially financed, directly or indirectly by the Delhi government," it said.

The CIC asked the companies to set up necessary infrastructure within 60 days so that applicants could get requisite information from them.

The commission ordered that a copy of its order be served to the chief secretary of the Delhi government for ensuring compliance.

The CIC bench, which included information commissioners O P Kejariwal, Padma Balasubramanian and M M Ansari, noted that these companies were using government land and infrastructure for their activities.